Trimming control circuit for current integration ramp DAC settling assist circuit

ABSTRACT

A ramp generator includes an operational amplifier having an output to generate a ramp signal. An integration current source is coupled to a first input and a reference voltage is coupled to a second input of the operational amplifier. A feedback capacitor is coupled between the first input and the output of the operational amplifier. A monitor circuit is coupled to the first and second inputs of the operational amplifier to generate an output flag in response to a comparison of the first and second inputs. A trimming control circuit is configured to generate a trimming signal in response to the output flag. An assist current source is configured to conduct an assist current from the output of the operational amplifier to ground in response the trimming signal generated by the trimming control circuit.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION Field of the Disclosure

This disclosure relates generally to image sensors, and in particular but not exclusively, relates to a ramp generator in an image sensor.

Background

Image sensors have become ubiquitous and are now widely used in digital cameras, cellular phones, security cameras as well as in medical, automotive, and other applications. As image sensors are integrated into a broader range of electronic devices, it is desirable to enhance their functionality, performance metrics, and the like in as many ways as possible (e.g., resolution, power consumption, dynamic range, etc.) through both device architecture design as well as image acquisition processing. The technology used to manufacture image sensors has continued to advance at a great pace. For example, the demands of higher resolution and lower power consumption have encouraged the further miniaturization and integration of these devices.

A typical complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor operates in response to image light from an external scene being incident upon the image sensor. The image sensor includes an array of pixels having photosensitive elements (e.g., photodiodes) that absorb a portion of the incident image light and generate image charge upon absorption of the image light. The image charge photogenerated by the pixels may be measured as analog output image signals on column bitlines that vary as a function of the incident image light. In other words, the amount of image charge generated is proportional to the intensity of the image light, which are read out as analog signals from the column bitlines and converted to digital values to produce digital images (i.e., image data) that represent the external scene.

Analog to digital converters (ADCs) are often used in CMOS image sensors (CIS) to convert the charge into a digital representation of the charge by the image sensor. The ADCs generate the digital representations of the charge based on a comparison of an image charge signal to a reference voltage signal. The reference voltage signal may conventionally be a ramp signal provided by a ramp generator and the comparison may conventionally be performed by a comparator, which provides an output that can be used with a counter to generate the digital representation of the image charge.

It is appreciated that the ramp settling time, or delay, of the ramp signal that is generated by the ramp generator and received by the comparator can limit the maximum frame rate of the image sensor. Thus, reducing the ramp settling time of the ramp signal that is received by the comparator can increase the maximum frame rate and therefore the performance of the image sensor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of an imaging system including a readout circuit including a ramp generator with a ramp settling assist circuit with a trimming control circuit in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows one example of a schematic of a current integration ramp generator with a low power ramp settling assist circuit in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a timing diagram that illustrates signals including a ramp signal generated by an example current integration ramp generator with a low power ramp settling assist circuit in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows one example of a schematic of a current integration ramp generator including a low power ramp settling assist circuit with an example of a trimming control circuit in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a timing diagram that illustrates signals including a ramp signal generated by an example current integration ramp generator including a low power ramp settling assist circuit with an example trimming control circuit in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows one example of a schematic of a current integration ramp generator including a low power ramp settling assist circuit with another example of a trimming control circuit in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a timing diagram that illustrates in greater detail examples of ramp signals generated by an example current integration ramp generator including a low power ramp settling assist circuit with an example trimming control circuit in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram that illustrates one example of a process for trimming an example low power ramp settling assist circuit included with an example current integration ramp generator in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. In addition, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples directed to an imaging system including a readout circuit including a current integration ramp generator having a low power ramp settling assist circuit with a trimming control circuit are described herein. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the examples. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the techniques described herein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail in order to avoid obscuring certain aspects.

Reference throughout this specification to “one example” or “one embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one example” or “in one embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “over,” “under,” “above,” “upper,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “center,” “middle,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is rotated or turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” or “under” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary terms “below” and “under” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated ninety degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. In addition, it will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “between” two other elements, it can be the only element between the two other elements, or one or more intervening elements may also be present.

Throughout this specification, several terms of art are used. These terms are to take on their ordinary meaning in the art from which they come, unless specifically defined herein or the context of their use would clearly suggest otherwise. It should be noted that element names and symbols may be used interchangeably through this document (e.g., Si vs. silicon); however, both have identical meaning.

As will be discussed, various examples of an imaging system including a readout circuit having a current integration ramp generator with a low power ramp settling assist circuit with a trimming control circuit are described. In various examples, the ramp generator is a current integration ramp generator including an operational amplifier configured as an integrator with feedback capacitor coupled between an input and an output of the operational amplifier. An integration current source is also coupled to the input of the operational amplifier. In the examples, a low power ramp settling assist circuit includes an assist current source that is coupled between the output of the current integration ramp generator and ground. In the examples, the low power ramp settling assist circuit provides an assist current from the output of the ramp generator to ground that is switched on during a ramp event or a ramp phase of the output ramp signal of the ramp generator. For purposes of this disclosure, it is appreciated that a ramp event of the output ramp signal is the time during which the ramp signal decreases continuously. In another example, it is appreciated that the ramp event of the output ramp signal could also be considered as the time during which the ramp signal increases continuously. An output capacitor coupled to the output of the ramp generator is discharged by an assist current, which therefore reduces a ramp settling time of the ramp signal that is caused by loading of the output of the ramp generator, which therefore improves the maximum frame rate and image sensor performance. In the various examples, the low power settling assist circuit is trimmed with a trimming control circuit, which can therefore adjust an assist current provided by the low power settling assist circuit to accommodate for pressure, volume, temperature (PVT) variations and/or process variations in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

To illustrate, FIG. 1 shows one example of an imaging system 100 including a readout circuit including a ramp generator with a ramp settling assist circuit with a trimming control circuit in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. As shown in the illustrated example, imaging system 100 includes a pixel array 102, a control circuit 110, a readout circuit 106, and function logic 108. In one example, pixel array 102 is a two-dimensional (2D) array including a plurality of pixel circuits 104 (e.g., P1, P2, . . . , Pn) that are arranged into rows (e.g., R1 to Ry) and columns (e.g., C1 to Cx) to acquire image data of a person, place, object, etc., which can then be used to render an image of a person, place, object, etc.

In various examples, each pixel circuit 104 may include one or more photodiodes configured to photogenerate image charge in response to incident light. The image charge generated in each photodiode is transferred to a floating diffusion included in each pixel circuit 104, which is converted to an image signal and then read out from each pixel circuit 104 by readout circuit 106 through column bitlines 112. In the various examples, readout circuit 106 may read out a row of image data at a time along readout column bitlines 112 (illustrated) or may read out the image data using a variety of other techniques (not illustrated), such as a serial readout or a full parallel readout of all pixel circuits 104 simultaneously.

In various examples, readout circuit 106 may include amplification circuitry, an analog to digital converter (ADC), or otherwise. In the depicted example, ADC 118 includes a comparator circuit 116 coupled to receive the image signals from pixel array 102 through the column bitlines 112. In one example, the comparator circuit 116 may include a plurality of comparators coupled to receive the image signals through the bitlines 112. In the example, each of the comparators included in comparator circuit 116 is also coupled to receive a ramp signal 140 from a ramp generator 114 as shown. In the example, each comparator included in comparator circuit 116 may be used to determine a digital representation of the image signal using a counter based on a comparison of ramp signal 140 to the image signal voltage level received through bitlines 112. As will be discussed in further detail below, in various examples the ramp generator 114 is a current integration ramp generator. In the various examples, the ramp settling time, or delay, of the ramp signal 140 that is generated by the ramp generator 114 and received by the comparator circuit 116 is reduced with a low power settling assist circuit to increase the maximum frame rate and therefore improve the performance of the imaging system 100. In the various examples, the low power settling assist circuit is trimmed with a trimming control circuit, which can therefore adjust an assist current provided by the low power settling assist circuit to accommodate for pressure, volume, temperature (PVT) variations and/or other conditions in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

In the example, the digital image data values generated by ADC 118 may then be received by function logic 108. Function logic 108 may simply store the digital image data or even manipulate the digital image data by applying post image effects (e.g., crop, rotate, remove red eye, adjust brightness, adjust contrast, or otherwise).

In one example, control circuit 104 is coupled to pixel array 102 to control operation of the plurality of photodiodes in pixel array 102. For example, control circuit 104 may generate a shutter signal for controlling image acquisition. In one example, the shutter signal is a global shutter signal for simultaneously enabling all pixel circuits 104 within pixel array 102 to simultaneously capture their respective image data during a single acquisition window. In another example, the shutter signal is a rolling shutter signal such that each row, column, or group of pixels is sequentially enabled during consecutive acquisition windows. In another example, image acquisition is synchronized with lighting effects such as a flash.

In one example, imaging system 100 may be included in a digital camera, cell phone, laptop computer, or the like. Additionally, imaging system 100 may be coupled to other pieces of hardware such as a processor (general purpose or otherwise), memory elements, output (USB port, wireless transmitter, HDMI port, etc.), lighting/flash, electrical input (keyboard, touch display, track pad, mouse, microphone, etc.), and/or display. Other pieces of hardware may deliver instructions to imaging system 100, extract image data from imaging system 100, or manipulate image data supplied by imaging system 100.

FIG. 2 shows one example of a schematic of a current integration ramp generator with a low power ramp settling assist circuit in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. It is appreciated that the current integration ramp generator with a low power ramp settling assist circuit shown in FIG. 2 may be an example of the ramp generator 114 illustrated in FIG. 1 , and that similarly named and numbered elements described above are coupled and function similarly below.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the current integration ramp generator includes an operational amplifier 224. A first input (e.g., inverting input) of the operational amplifier 224 is coupled to an integration current source 230 to receive an integration current I_(NT) 232. A second input (e.g., non-inverting input) of the operational amplifier 224 is coupled to receive a reference voltage V_(REF) 234. In the depicted example, a switch and a capacitor 236 may be coupled to the non-inverting input of operational amplifier 224 to sample and hold the reference voltage V_(REF) 224 at the non-inverting input of operational amplifier 224. In the depicted example, a feedback capacitor CF 226 is coupled an output of operational amplifier 224 and the inverting input of operational amplifier 224. A reset switch 228 is also coupled between the output of operational amplifier 224 and the inverting input of operational amplifier 224. The example depicted in FIG. 2 shows that an output capacitor C_(OUT) 238 is coupled between the output of operational amplifier 224 and ground. As shown in the depicted example, an assist current source 240 is coupled between the output of the operational amplifier 224 and ground. In the example, a ramp switch 244 is coupled to the assist current source 240 such that the ramp switch 244 and the assist current source 240 are coupled between the output of the operational amplifier 224 and ground.

In operation, the assist current source 240 is configured to conduct an assist current I_(ASSIST) 246 from the output of the operational amplifier 224 to ground in response to the reset switch 228 being turned off, which corresponds to a ramp event occurring in the ramp voltage V_(RAMP) 220. In the depicted example, the ramp switch 244 is also turned on during the ramp event occurring in the ramp voltage V_(RAMP) 220 in order to conduct the assist current I_(ASSIST) 246 from the output of the operational amplifier 224 to ground during the ramp event. The current I_(C) 242 represents the current that is discharged from the output capacitor C_(OUT) 238 and the current I_(N) 240 represents the current that would be absorbed by the output of the operational amplifier 224 without the assist current source 240 due to the discharge of the output capacitor C_(OUT) 238.

In particular, the assist current I_(ASSIST) 246 is configured to be substantially equal in magnitude to the discharge current I_(C) 242 of the output capacitor C_(OUT) 238 during the ramp event in the ramp voltage V_(RAMP) 220. Therefore, the input current I_(IN) 240 that would otherwise need to be absorbed by the output of the operational amplifier 224 remains substantially zero and the operational amplifier 224 does not need to resettle in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. As such, the ramp voltage V_(RAMP) 220 is much closer to an ideal ramp signal with substantially no ramp settling time delay and a sharper corner at the beginning of the ramp event in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a timing diagram that illustrates signals including a ramp signal generated by an example current integration ramp generator with a low power ramp settling assist circuit in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. It is appreciated that the signals illustrated in the timing diagram of FIG. 3 may be examples of signals found in the current integration ramp generator depicted in FIG. 2 , and that similarly named and numbered elements described above are coupled and function similarly below. In particular, the depicted example shows a ramp signal RAMP 344, a reset signal RESET 328, a ramp voltage signal V_(RAMP) 320, an input current I_(IN) 340, a capacitor current I_(C) 342, an assist current I_(ASSIST) 346, and a power line current I_(AVDD) 348.

As shown in the example depicted in FIG. 3 , the ramp voltage signal V_(RAMP) 320 is initialized at time T0 before a ramp event to a voltage V_(CVDN). At time T1, the ramp event begins, which is shown with the ramp signal RAMP 344 transitioning to a high level (e.g., “1”) and the reset signal RESET 328 transitioning to a low level (e.g., “0”). In the example, the ramp signal RAMP 344 transitioning to the high level (e.g., “1”) turns on the ramp switch 244 and the reset signal RESET 328 transitioning to the low level (e.g., “0”) turns off the reset switch 228 shown in the example depicted in FIG. 2 . As such a ramp event begins in the ramp voltage signal V_(RAMP) 320 at time T1 with the voltage ramping down as shown. As will be discussed, with the assist current I_(ASSIST) 346 being configured to be substantially equal to the capacitor current I_(C) 342 to discharge the output capacitor C_(OUT) 238, the ramp voltage signal V_(RAMP) 320 has a sharp corner at time T1 and begin ramping down linearly with substantially no ramp settling time delay as indicated with ideal ramp signal 384. It is appreciated that without the assist current source 240 providing the assist current I_(ASSIST) 346, a non-ideal ramp signal 386 would occur due to discharging of the output capacitor C_(OUT) 238.

In particular, at time T1 when the ramp event or ramp phase starts in ramp voltage signal V_(RAMP) 320, the integration current I_(NT) 332 goes through the feedback capacitor C_(F) 326 and the ramp voltage signal V_(RAMP) 320 starts to ramp down. At this time, the output capacitor C_(OUT) 338 needs to discharge with capacitor current I_(C) 342. With the assist current source 240 providing the assist current I_(ASSIST) 246, which has a magnitude substantially equal to the capacitor current I_(C) 342, the input current I_(IN) 340 absorbed by the output of the remains substantially zero, which enables the ideal ramp signal 384 at time T1 as shown. Thus, it is appreciated that the assist current I_(ASSIST) 346, the input current I_(IN) 340, and the ramp voltage signal V_(RAMP) 320 at time T1 can be represented according to the equations:

$\begin{matrix} {{I_{ASSIST} = \frac{I_{INT}C_{OUT}}{C_{F}}},} & (3) \end{matrix}$ $\begin{matrix} {{{I_{IN}(t)} = 0},} & (4) \end{matrix}$ $\begin{matrix} {{V_{RAMP}(t)} = {V_{CVDN} - {\frac{I_{INT}t}{C_{F}}.}}} & (5) \end{matrix}$

With respect to the assist current I_(ASSIST) 346 described equation (3), it is noted that the capacitance value of output capacitor C_(OUT) 338 may include the capacitance provided by a polysilicon capacitor as well as the gate to source capacitance of a source follower transistor coupled to the output of the operational amplifier 224. In addition, the capacitance value of feedback capacitor C_(F) 226 may include the capacitance provided by a metal oxide metal capacitor coupled between the inverting input and the output of the operational amplifier 224. Therefore, it is appreciated that the process variations that may occur should also be considered when trimming the assist current source 240.

In operation, it is further appreciated that with the ramp signal RAMP 344 configured to be off during a non-ramp events (e.g., at time T0) or prior to the ramp event at time T1, extra power consumption due to the assist current I_(ASSIST) 346 is saved with the ramp switch 244 being turned off during non-ramp events (e.g., at time T0). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3 , it is also appreciated that the power line current I_(AVDD) 348 remains substantially constant or unchanged during non-ramp events (e.g., at time T0) and during ramp events (e.g., at time T1) since the assist current source is coupled between the output of the operational amplifier 224 and ground instead of between the power line (e.g., AVDD) and the output of the operational amplifier 224.

FIG. 4 shows one example of a schematic of a current integration ramp generator including a low power ramp settling assist circuit with an example of a trimming control circuit in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. It is appreciated that the current integration ramp generator with a low power ramp settling assist circuit shown in FIG. 4 may be another example of the ramp generator 114 illustrated in FIG. 1 , and that similarly named and numbered elements described above are coupled and function similarly below. It is further appreciated that the current integration ramp generator with a low power ramp settling assist circuit shown in FIG. 4 shares many similarities with the current integration ramp generator with a low power ramp settling assist circuit shown in FIG. 2 .

For instance, as shown in FIG. 4 , the current integration ramp generator includes an operational amplifier 424. A first input (e.g., inverting input) of the operational amplifier 424 is coupled to an integration current source 430 to receive an integration current I_(NT) 432. A second input (e.g., non-inverting input) of the operational amplifier 424 is coupled to receive a reference voltage V_(REF) 434. In the depicted example, a switch and a capacitor 436 may be coupled to the non-inverting input of operational amplifier 424 to sample and hold the reference voltage V_(REF) 424 at the non-inverting input of operational amplifier 424. In the depicted example, a feedback capacitor C_(F) 426 is coupled an output of operational amplifier 424 and the inverting input of operational amplifier 424. A reset switch 428 is also coupled between the output of operational amplifier 424 and the inverting input of operational amplifier 424. The example depicted in FIG. 4 shows that an output capacitor C_(OUT) 438 is coupled between the output of operational amplifier 424 and ground. As shown in the depicted example, an assist current source 440 is coupled between the output of the operational amplifier 424 and ground. In the example, a ramp switch 444 is coupled to the assist current source 440 such that the ramp switch 444 and the assist current source 440 are coupled between the output of the operational amplifier 424 and ground.

In operation, the assist current source 440 is configured to conduct an assist current I_(ASSIST) 446 from the output of the operational amplifier 424 to ground in response to the reset switch 428 being turned off, which corresponds to a ramp event occurring in the ramp voltage V_(RAMP) 420. In the depicted example, the ramp switch 444 is also turned on during the ramp event occurring in the ramp voltage V_(RAMP) 420 in order to conduct the assist current I_(ASSIST) 446 from the output of the operational amplifier 424 to ground during the ramp event. The current I_(C) 442 represents the current that is discharged from the output capacitor C_(OUT) 438 and the current I_(N) 440 represents the current that would be absorbed by the output of the operational amplifier 424 without the assist current source 440 due to the discharge of the output capacitor C_(OUT) 438.

Some of the differences between the current integration ramp generator with a low power ramp settling assist circuit shown in FIG. 4 and the current integration ramp generator with a low power ramp settling assist circuit shown in FIG. 2 are that the current integration ramp generator with a low power ramp settling assist circuit shown in FIG. 4 also includes a monitor circuit 450 and a trimming control circuit 460. In the example depicted in FIG. 4 , the assist current source 440 is coupled to be trimmed in response to a trimming signal 462 received from the trimming control circuit 460 in response to the monitor circuit 450 in order to trim the assist current I_(ASSIST) 446 to be substantially equal in magnitude to the discharge current I_(C) 442 of the output capacitor C_(OUT) 438 during the ramp event in the ramp voltage V_(RAMP) 420. Therefore, the input current I_(IN) 440 that would otherwise need to be absorbed by the output of the operational amplifier 424 remains substantially zero and the operational amplifier 424 does not need to resettle in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. As such, the ramp voltage V_(RAMP) 420 is much closer to an ideal ramp signal with substantially no settling time delay and a sharper corner at the beginning of the ramp event in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

As shown in the example depicted in FIG. 4 , monitor circuit 450 is coupled to the inverting and non-inverting inputs of the operational amplifier 424. In the example, the monitor circuit 450 includes a comparator 452 that is configured to generate an output flag FLAG 454 in response to a comparison of the inverting and non-inverting inputs of the operational amplifier 424. The trimming control circuit 460 coupled to the monitor circuit 450 and the assist current source 440. In one example, the comparator 452 is coupled to the inverting and non-inverting inputs of the operational amplifier 424 through a first switch sw0 456 and a second switch sw1 458 as shown. In operation, the trimming control circuit 460 is configured to generate the trimming signal 462 in response to the output flag FLAG 454 generated by the monitor circuit 450, which is generated by the comparator 452 in response to the comparison of the inverting and non-inverting inputs of the operational amplifier 424. Thus, the assist current source 440 is configured to trim or adjust the assist current I_(ASSIST) 446, which is conducted from the output of the operational amplifier 424 to ground through the assist current source 440 in response the trimming signal 462 generated by the trimming control circuit 460.

As shown in the example depicted in FIG. 4 , trimming control circuit 460 includes a latch or flip flop 464 having a clock input coupled to receive the output flag FLAG 454 from the monitor circuit 450. In the example, flip flop 464 has a D input that is coupled to a Q bar (Qb) output of flip flop 464. In the example, the Qb output of the flip flop 464 is a latch enable signal latch_en 466, which is coupled to be received at a write enable signal WR_EN input of a trimming memory 468 of the trimming control circuit 460.

In one example, the trimming memory of trimming control circuit 460 may be implemented with a trimming register that is configured to store a trimming code 470. In one example, the trimming code 470 may be initialized to be a preset code, which may then be incremented (e.g., “+1”) as shown until the latch enable signal latch_en 466 flips (e.g., 0 to 1 or 1 to 0) in response to the output flag FLAG 454 received from the comparator 452 of the monitor circuit 450. In another example, it is appreciated that the logic of the trimming circuit can be reversed such that the trimming code 470 is decremented (e.g., “−1”) or otherwise adjusted until the latch enable signal latch_en 466 flips (e.g., 0 to 1 or 1 to 0) in response to the output flag FLAG 454 received from the comparator 452 of the monitor circuit 450 in response to the comparison of the inverting and non-inverting inputs of the operational amplifier 424.

Once the latch enable signal latch_en 466 has flipped (e.g., 0 to 1 or 1 to 0) in response to the output flag FLAG 454 of comparator 452 flipping (e.g., 0 to 1 or 1 to 0), the trimming code 470 is set, which is then saved in trimming memory 468 and used to control or trim the assist current source 440 via the trimming signal 462 when generating the assist current I_(ASSIST) 446 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a timing diagram that illustrates signals including a ramp signal generated by an example current integration ramp generator including a low power ramp settling assist circuit with an example trimming control circuit in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. It is appreciated that the signals illustrated in the timing diagram of FIG. 5 may be examples of signals found in the current integration ramp generator depicted in FIG. 4 , and that similarly named and numbered elements described above are coupled and function similarly below. In particular, the depicted example shows a ramp signal RAMP 544, a reset signal RESET 528, a ramp voltage signal V_(RAMP) 520, and an output flag signal FLAG 554.

As shown in the example depicted in FIG. 5 , the ramp voltage signal V_(RAMP) 520 is initialized at time T0 before a ramp event to a voltage V_(CVDN). At time T1, the ramp event begins, which is shown with the ramp signal RAMP 544 transitioning to a high level (e.g., “1”) and the reset signal RESET 528 transitioning to a low level (e.g., “0”). In the example, the ramp signal RAMP 544 transitioning to the high level (e.g., “1”) turns on the ramp switch 444 and the reset signal RESET 528 transitioning to the low level (e.g., “0”) turns off the reset switch 428 shown in the example depicted in FIG. 4 . As such a ramp event begins in the ramp voltage signal V_(RAMP) 520 at time T1 with the voltage ramping down as shown.

In one example, the first switch sw0 456 and the second switch sw1 458 are also turned on at time T1 when the ramp signal RAMP transitions top the high level (e.g., “1”). As such, the monitor circuit 450 begins monitoring the inverting and non-inverting inputs of the operational amplifier 424. At this time, assuming the write enable input WR_EN of the trimming memory 468 is enabled at time T1, the trimming code 470 is incremented from an initial value until time T2 when the output flag FLAG 554 flips from a low level to a high level (e.g., 0 to 1). At time T2, the trimming code 470 is recorded or saved in the trimming memory 468. In various examples, the recorded or saved trimming code 470 may be written back into the trimming memory 468 at a later or different time as a default value in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows one example of a schematic of a current integration ramp generator including a low power ramp settling assist circuit with another example of a trimming control circuit in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. It is appreciated that the current integration ramp generator with a low power ramp settling assist circuit shown in FIG. 6 may be another example of the ramp generator 114 illustrated in FIG. 1 , and that similarly named and numbered elements described above are coupled and function similarly below. It is further appreciated that the current integration ramp generator with a low power ramp settling assist circuit shown in FIG. 6 shares many similarities with the current integration ramp generator with a low power ramp settling assist circuit shown in FIG. 4 .

For instance, as shown in FIG. 6 , the current integration ramp generator includes an operational amplifier 624. A first input (e.g., inverting input) of the operational amplifier 624 is coupled to an integration current source 630 to receive an integration current I_(NT) 632. A second input (e.g., non-inverting input) of the operational amplifier 624 is coupled to receive a reference voltage V_(REF) 634. In the depicted example, a switch and a capacitor 636 may be coupled to the non-inverting input of operational amplifier 624 to sample and hold the reference voltage V_(REF) 624 at the non-inverting input of operational amplifier 624. In the depicted example, a feedback capacitor C_(F) 626 is coupled an output of operational amplifier 624 and the inverting input of operational amplifier 624. A reset switch 628 is also coupled between the output of operational amplifier 624 and the inverting input of operational amplifier 624. The example depicted in FIG. 6 shows that an output capacitor C_(OUT) 638 is coupled between the output of operational amplifier 624 and ground. As shown in the depicted example, an assist current source 640 is coupled between the output of the operational amplifier 624 and ground. In the example, a ramp switch 644 is coupled to the assist current source 640 such that the ramp switch 644 and the assist current source 640 are coupled between the output of the operational amplifier 624 and ground.

In operation, the assist current source 640 is configured to conduct an assist current I_(ASSIST) 646 from the output of the operational amplifier 624 to ground in response to the reset switch 628 being turned off, which corresponds to a ramp event occurring in the ramp voltage V_(RAMP) 620. In the depicted example, the ramp switch 644 is also turned on during the ramp event occurring in the ramp voltage V_(RAMP) 620 in order to conduct the assist current I_(ASSIST) 646 from the output of the operational amplifier 624 to ground during the ramp event. The current I_(C) 642 represents the current that is discharged from the output capacitor C_(OUT) 638 and the current I_(N) 640 represents the current that would be absorbed by the output of the operational amplifier 624 without the assist current source 640 due to the discharge of the output capacitor C_(OUT) 438.

Similar to the current integration ramp generator with a low power ramp settling assist circuit shown in FIG. 4 , the current integration ramp generator with a low power ramp settling assist circuit shown in FIG. 6 also includes a monitor circuit 650 coupled to the inverting and non-inverting inputs of the operational amplifier 624. In the example, the monitor circuit 650 includes a comparator 652 that is configured to generate an output flag FLAG 654 in response to a comparison of the inverting and non-inverting inputs of the operational amplifier 624. In one example, the comparator 452 is coupled to the inverting and non-inverting inputs of the operational amplifier 424 through a first switch sw0 456 and a second switch sw1 458 as shown. In various examples, the output flag FLAG 654 generated by the monitor circuit 650 may be received by a trimming control circuit, such as for example trimming control circuit 460 shown in FIG. 4 , to generate a trimming code.

One the differences between the current integration ramp generator with a low power ramp settling assist circuit shown in FIG. 6 and the current integration ramp generator with a low power ramp settling assist circuit shown in FIG. 4 is that the trimming control circuit 660 shown in FIG. 6 includes a trimming memory 668 that is configured to store or be preloaded with a predetermined trimming code 670. In one example, the trimming code 670 may be the trimming code 470 that was previously generated by trimming control circuit 460 in response to the output flag FLAG 454 generated by monitor circuit 450. Thus, in various examples, the trimming control circuit 660 may be implemented as a one time programmable memory for each die that includes one or more current integration ramp generators with a low power ramp settling assist circuits as shown in FIG. 6 . In various examples, the trimming control circuit 660 may be internal or external to the die. In the examples, the trimming code 670 may therefore be fused into the trimming memory 668 of trimming control circuit 660.

FIG. 7 is a timing diagram that illustrates in greater detail examples of ramp signals generated by an example current integration ramp generator including a low power ramp settling assist circuit with an example trimming control circuit in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. It is appreciated that the examples of ramp signal 720 illustrated in the timing diagram of FIG. 7 may examples of ramp signal 420 found in the current integration ramp generator depicted in FIG. 4 or examples showing greater detail of ramp signal 520 illustrated in FIG. 5 , and that similarly named and numbered elements described above are coupled and function similarly below.

As shown in the example depicted in FIG. 7 , prior to the ramp event that begins at time T1, ramp signal 720 is initialized at a voltage (e.g., ˜2.1 volts). At time T1, the ramp event begins and the ramp signal 720 begins to ramp down as shown. Ramp signal 786 after time T1 shows ramp signal 720 during a ramp event with no trimming or minimal trimming provided by the assist current source 440. As such, the ramp signal 786 is non-ideal with the ramp settling time delay caused by the current I_(IN) 440 being absorbed by the output of the operational amplifier 224 due to the discharge current from the capacitor current I_(C) 442 of the output capacitor C_(OUT) 438. It is appreciated that the output flag FLAG 454 has not yet flipped (e.g., FLAG=0) when there is a non-ideal ramp signal 786 during the ramp event. As the trimming circuit 460 increments the trimming code 470 (e.g., “+1”), the ramp signal 720 improves in the trimming direction shown in FIG. 7 until the output flag FLAG 454 flips (e.g., FLAG=0 to FLAG=1), as shown with ideal ramp signal 784 during the ramp event as shown. The example depicted in FIG. 7 also illustrates an example of the ramp signal 720 during the ramp event if the output flag FLAG 454 does not flip, which results in over-trimming of the ramp signal 720.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram that illustrates one example of a process for trimming an example low power ramp settling assist circuit of an example current integration ramp generator in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. It is appreciated that the process for trimming the example low power ramp settling assist circuit depicted in FIG. 8 may illustrate the process of trimming the current integration ramp generator depicted in FIG. 4 , and that similarly named and numbered elements described above are coupled and function similarly below.

As shown in the example depicted in FIG. 8 , processing begins at process block 872 where the trimming code is initialized (e.g., trim_code=0x00) and the latch enable signal is initialized to a high value (e.g., latch_en=1) to set the write enable input of the trimming memory. At decision block 874, it is determined whether the output flag of the monitor circuit is has flipped yet (e.g., does Flag=1?).

If decision block 874 determines that the flag has tripped, or the Flag=1, the trimming code is latched or stored in the trimming memory at process block 880. The latch enable signal latch_en is then set to 0, which disables the write enable input of the trimming memory, at process block 882 and processing ends.

In another example, it is appreciated that processing from process block 882 may instead continue at process block 876. In this example, the trimming code is latched or stored in the trimming memory only at the first occurrence of Flag=1.

Referring back to the example depicted in FIG. 8 , if decision block 874 determines that the flag has not yet tripped, or the Flag=0, the trimming code is incremented (e.g., trim_code=trim_code+1) at process block 876. Next, at decision block 878, it is determined whether the trimming code has been incremented to the maximum value (e.g., trim_code=0xFF?).

If decision block 878 determines that the trimming code has been incremented to the maximum value (e.g., trim_code=0xFF), then processing ends. If decision block 878 determines that the trimming code has not yet been incremented to the maximum value (e.g., trim_code<0xFF), then processing loops back to decision block 874.

The above description of illustrated examples of the invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. While specific examples of the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.

These modifications can be made to the invention in light of the above detailed description. The terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosed in the specification. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined entirely by the following claims, which are to be construed in accordance with established doctrines of claim interpretation. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A ramp generator, comprising: an operational amplifier having a first input, a second input, and an output to generate a ramp signal; an integration current source coupled the first input of the operational amplifier; a reference voltage coupled to the second input of the operational amplifier; a feedback capacitor coupled between the first input and the output of the operational amplifier; an assist current source coupled between the output of the operational amplifier and ground; a monitor circuit coupled to the first and second inputs of the operational amplifier, wherein the monitor circuit is configured to generate an output flag in response to a comparison of the first and second inputs of the operational amplifier; and a trimming control circuit coupled to the assist current source, wherein the trimming control circuit is configured to generate a trimming signal in response to the output flag generated by the monitor circuit, wherein the assist current source is configured to conduct an assist current from the output of the operational amplifier to ground in response the trimming signal generated by the trimming control circuit.
 2. The ramp generator of claim 1, wherein the trimming signal generated by the trimming circuit comprises a trimming code configured to control the assist current generated by the assist current source.
 3. The ramp generator of claim 2, wherein the trimming control circuit comprises a trimming memory configured to store the trimming code, wherein the trimming circuit is configured to generate the trimming signal in response to the trimming code stored in the trimming memory.
 4. The ramp generator of claim 3, wherein the trimming control circuit is configured to adjust the trimming code stored in the trimming memory in response to the output flag generated by the monitor circuit having a first value, wherein the trimming control circuit is configured not to further adjust the trimming code stored in the trimming memory in response to the output flag generated by the monitor circuit having a second value.
 5. The ramp generator of claim 4, wherein the trimming control circuit further comprises a flip flop having a clock input coupled to receive the output flag generated by the monitor circuit, wherein an output of the flip flop is configured to generate a latch enable flag coupled to be received by the trimming memory, wherein the trimming control circuit is configured not to further adjust the trimming code stored in the trimming memory in response to the latch enable flag generated by the flip flop.
 6. The ramp generator of claim 3, wherein the trimming code stored in the trimming memory is a previously generated trimming code determined in response to the output flag generated by the monitor circuit.
 7. The ramp generator of claim 1, further comprising a reset switch coupled between the first input and the output of the operational amplifier, wherein the reset switch is configured to be turned on to reset the ramp generator, wherein a ramp event is configured to be generated in the ramp signal at the output of the operational amplifier in response to the reset switch being turned off, wherein the assist current source is configured to conduct the assist current from the output of the operational amplifier to ground in response to the reset switch being turned off.
 8. The ramp generator of claim 1, further comprising a reference capacitor coupled between the second input of the operational amplifier and ground.
 9. The ramp generator of claim 1, further comprising an output capacitor coupled between the output of the operational amplifier and ground.
 10. The ramp generator of claim 9, wherein the assist current is substantially equal to an integration current conducted through the integration current source multiplied by a ratio of a capacitance of the output capacitor and a capacitance of the feedback capacitor.
 11. The ramp generator of claim 9, wherein the assist current conducted through the assist current source is substantially equal to a discharge current from the output capacitor during the ramp event that is configured to be generated in the ramp signal at the output of the operational amplifier in response to the reset switch being turned off.
 12. The ramp generator of claim 1, wherein the assist current is zero when the reset switch is configured to be turned on to reset the ramp generator.
 13. The ramp generator of claim 12, further comprising an assist current switch coupled to the assist current source, wherein the assist current switch is configured to be turned off when the reset switch is configured to be turned on, wherein the assist current switch is configured to be turned on when the reset switch is configured to be turned off.
 14. An imaging system, comprising: an array of pixels to receive image light and generate an image charge voltage signal in response; and readout circuitry coupled to the receive the image charge voltage signal from the array of pixels and provide a digital representation of the image charge voltage signal in response, the readout circuitry including a comparator to receive the image charge voltage signal, compare the image charge voltage signal to a ramp signal from a ramp generator, and provide the digital representation of the image charge voltage signal in response, wherein the ramp generator comprises: an operational amplifier having a first input, a second input, and an output to generate a ramp signal; an integration current source coupled the first input of the operational amplifier; a reference voltage coupled to the second input of the operational amplifier; a feedback capacitor coupled between the first input and the output of the operational amplifier; an assist current source coupled between the output of the operational amplifier and ground; a monitor circuit coupled to the first and second inputs of the operational amplifier, wherein the monitor circuit is configured to generate an output flag in response to a comparison of the first and second inputs of the operational amplifier; and a trimming control circuit coupled to the assist current source, wherein the trimming control circuit is configured to generate a trimming signal in response to the output flag generated by the monitor circuit, wherein the assist current source is configured to conduct an assist current from the output of the operational amplifier to ground in response the trimming signal generated by the trimming control circuit.
 15. The imaging system of claim 14, wherein the trimming signal generated by the trimming circuit comprises a trimming code configured to control the assist current generated by the assist current source.
 16. The imaging system of claim 15, wherein the trimming control circuit comprises a trimming memory configured to store the trimming code, wherein the trimming circuit is configured to generate the trimming signal in response to the trimming code stored in the trimming memory.
 17. The imaging system of claim 16, wherein the trimming control circuit is configured to adjust the trimming code stored in the trimming memory in response to the output flag generated by the monitor circuit having a first value, wherein the trimming control circuit is configured not to further adjust the trimming code stored in the trimming memory in response to the output flag generated by the monitor circuit having a second value.
 18. The imaging system of claim 17, wherein the trimming control circuit further comprises a flip flop having a clock input coupled to receive the output flag generated by the monitor circuit, wherein an output of the flip flop is configured to generate a latch enable flag coupled to be received by the trimming memory, wherein the trimming control circuit is configured not to further adjust the trimming code stored in the trimming memory in response to the latch enable flag generated by the flip flop.
 19. The imaging system of claim 16, wherein the trimming code stored in the trimming memory is a previously generated trimming code determined in response to the output flag generated by the monitor circuit.
 20. The imaging system of claim 14, wherein the ramp generator further comprises a reset switch coupled between the first input and the output of the operational amplifier, wherein the reset switch is configured to be turned on to reset the ramp generator, wherein a ramp event is configured to be generated in the ramp signal at the output of the operational amplifier in response to the reset switch being turned off, wherein the assist current source is configured to conduct the assist current from the output of the operational amplifier to ground in response to the reset switch being turned off.
 21. The imaging system of claim 14, wherein the ramp generator further comprises a reference capacitor coupled between the second input of the operational amplifier and ground.
 22. The imaging system of claim 14, wherein the ramp generator further comprises an output capacitor coupled between the output of the operational amplifier and ground.
 23. The imaging system of claim 22, wherein the assist current is substantially equal to an integration current conducted through the integration current source multiplied by a ratio of a capacitance of the output capacitor and a capacitance of the feedback capacitor.
 24. The imaging system of claim 22, wherein the assist current conducted through the assist current source is substantially equal to a discharge current from the output capacitor during the ramp event that is configured to be generated in the ramp signal at the output of the operational amplifier in response to the reset switch being turned off.
 25. The imaging system of claim 14, wherein the assist current is zero when the reset switch is configured to be turned on to reset the ramp generator.
 26. The imaging system of claim 25, wherein the ramp generator further comprises an assist current switch coupled to the assist current source, wherein the assist current switch is configured to be turned off when the reset switch is configured to be turned on, wherein the assist current switch is configured to be turned on when the reset switch is configured to be turned off. 